March 2023 Pulse Monthly Vol.3 Issue 3

HappyInternationalWomen'sDay

THE WOMEN OF TODAY ARE THE THOUGHTS OF THEIR MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS, EMBODIED AND MADE ALIVE.

- Maltilda Joslyn Gage

JenniferForrester

Manager, General Administration and Support Services

1. How long have you been in your current position?

April 2021 to May 2022 -Manager, General Administration and Patient Services May 2022 to this current date – Manager, General Administration and Support Services.

2. You began your career thirty-one years ago. Did you imagine yourself in a leadership position?

Although, at the beginning of my career as a teacher, I did not have the thought/idea at the forefront of my mind. However, I have always been determined to aspire to grow/develop along my career path to enable me to contribute meaningfully to any organization that I am a part of. Throughout my career and to date, I have had the opportunity to be at the helm as the chief accounting officer at two local health facilities. This was achieved by empowering myself with the relevant competencies in preparation to seek out and embrace any prospects that became available for me to serve in this capacity.

3. What are some of the most impactful contributions that women bring to the leadership table?

Women tend to be organized and proactive.

They are generally natural leaders and quite frequently they effortlessly take up the mantle to direct and lead. They also bring innovation and passion to the table. Women tend to be competitive, and this trait helps them to aspire to be the best version of themselves in any role that they have accepted.

4. Do you believe there are enough women in leadership positions in our society?

The number of women in leadership roles in our society has definitely grown exponentially over the last decade. Women have permeated varying professional areas and industries over the years and have charted the way for any woman who aspires to lead whether as an entrepreneur, as a manger /director or as a CEO at the helm of an organization.

JenniferForrester

Manager, General Administration and Support Services

5. What advise do you have for young professional women who are entering the workforce?

I would advise them to remain focused and committed. They should fully embrace the role that they have accepted and are currently responsible for with passion and determination. Accept and seek out challenges which would build their capacity and expound on their knowledge and skills. Always strive to give their full potential as it will be recognized, and they will reap the rewards of their outstanding work someday. Aspire for personal growth and seek out new opportunities which may serve as a steppingstone to achieve their career goals.

7. What keeps you going in your role?

Most of my career has been along the path of provision of health care services. My current role encompasses a large portfolio which comes with numerous challenges. I generally don’t run away from a challenge, and in fact challenges serve to keep me focused and innovative Currently, the MHMC is undergoing numerous upgrades and improvements, this brings a new level of excitement to my role accompanied with the anticipation of the positive changes that I would be a part of, and which would redound to improvements in the provision of health care to the public

8. With ongoing leadership challenges and trends in business, share with us 'the thing' that keeps you up at nights.

6. As a woman leader, how do you promote work life balance?

I ensure that I consider and consistently undertake self-care activities which is pivotal to promoting the balance between my work life and my personal life.I enroll/sign up for activities that I enjoy and contribute towards relaxation. Exercise, healthy eating, having a personal relationship with my maker and positive thinking are also very integral in helping to ensure the body, mind and soul are in synch. I also spoil myself whenever I can, which I view as a reward for my hard work and dedication.

I generally try to ensure that I get a good night’s rest to be prepared for the next “evolving” day at the MHMC, but there are times when I do have to devote time to strategize, to resolve ongoing challenges with resource gaps and constraints which are generally characteristic of any health service or facility.

SharonStephens

Senior Social Worker

1. How long have you been in your current position?

I am grateful for 11 years of giving back to citizens of St. Lucia, in my role as a Social Worker. The last year and six months I consider myself fortunate to fill the capacity of Senior Social Worker with MHMC. This role also allowed me the opportunity as Acting Head of the Psychosocial Department.

2. You began your career 10 years ago. Did you imagine yourself in a leadership position?

I began my career in 2013 as an assistant social worker. I’ve always endeavor to give my best, and while I envisioned myself being in a position where I can contribute to the profession, I will admit that it is not something that I consciously did. I am just passionate about what I do, and it takes me places.

3.What are some of the most impactful contributions that women bring to the leadership table?

Women do things differently, and some of the things that stands out is their strength, their ideas, their assertiveness and they lead with flexibility. Women anticipate change and they prepare for it.

They are willing to take chances and implement change even with the chance of being criticized.

4. Do you believe there are enough women in leadership positions in our society?

There are women in leadership roles, however, there may be a need for more women in leadership roles. I strongly believe that what may be needed is women in more key leadership roles.

5. What advise do you have for young professional women who are entering the workforce?

I would advise that whatever position they decide to take on, that they will ensure that they also have the passion for it Secondly, they should be willing to make mistakes, learn from their mistakes, and take chances.

6. As a woman leader, how do you promote work life balance?

I strongly believe in family and just being with family helps keep me in check. As a social worker, I know the importance of work life balance, and therefore I make the best of every opportunity that will keep my mind in a relax state.

SharonStephens

Senior Social Worker

Family time, recreational activities and my spiritual life are major factors in my work life balance.

7. What keeps you going in your role?

I would say a sense of purpose. I love knowing that I am making a difference and that I am in a position where I am able to give individuals that second chance at life. That little difference where I get to contribute to someone’s unfortunate situation keeps me going.

8.With ongoing leadership challenges and trends in business, share with us 'the thing' that keeps you up at nights.

By nature, I am one who aims for the best; and as a result knowing that I have a MAJOR task ahead may impact my nights rest until that task is completed. However, I try not to make it a habit of losing sleep over activities because I do know the importance of rest

IsabellePierrot

Deputy Director Nursing Services

1. How long have you been in your current position?

I have been in this position for two years.

2. You began your career thirty one years ago. Did you imagine yourself in a leadership position?

Thirty-one years ago, when I started nursing school, I never imagined myself in a leadership position. Even three years later, on successful completion I did not. However, many of my mentors and coaches throughout my career identified potential in me and provided me with opportunities for growth and development.

3.What are some of the most impactful contributions that women bring to the leadership table?

Women can be strong through their truth and authenticity and not necessarily being tough. They exhibit empathy in leading their team.

Women leaders tend to empower and support other women leaders all in an effort to break the ceilings that have been created over many years.

They openly demonstrate that they are decisive with empathy which creates a significant impact in times of crisis situations.

4. Do you believe there are enough women in leadership positions in our society?

This is a difficult question. There is an emerging trend for women leaders in our society in many occupations/ professions. However, there are still many areas that women leaders have not had a seat at the table and on that basis, I will say no.

IsabellePierrot

Deputy Director Nursing Services

5.What advise do you have for young professional women who are entering the workforce?

My advice to young professional women entering the profession is that work ethics, integrity, hard work and being a risk taker are essential factors that will pave the way for success. Also, be available for opportunities for advancement and stay current in your field but be diverse in your knowledge and skills. Develop yourself to have more than one profession for greater marketability.

8. With ongoing leadership challenges and trends in business, share with us 'the thing' that keeps you up at nights.

To be honest, I cannot say that things keep me up at night. However, with the trends, I am concerned about:

i.The international nursing shortage/ crisis

ii.Nurses expanding into various specializations and being removed at the bedside.

iii.The disparity in access and equity in healthcare and the emerging diseases

iv.The position of MHMC as a leading healthcare institution on the island

7. As a woman leader, how do you promote work life balance?

Work- life balance is promoted by me in terms of proper time management, prioritizing mental health and well- being, treating each employee as an individual with ranging life priorities. Also, I try to encourage delegation of duties, use of delay receipt for emails as much as possible and nurturing relationships that are important to the employee. Most of all ensuring that there is always some down time.

SathiaDovil

Catering Supervisor

1. How long have you been in your current position?

I have been working in my current position since November 1st, 2019.

2. You began your career 12 years ago. Did you imagine yourself in a leadership position?

I started out as a cook, then dietary aid, later on as a dietician assistant and currently a Catering Supervisor. Yes, it was always a role I saw myself fitting into. Being the first born in the family, I gravitated to the role.

3. What are some of the most impactful contributions that women bring to the leadership table?

Women come across as more ethical, sympathetic. Women executives bring a variety of abilities and views to the table.

4. Do you believe there are enough women in leadership positions in our society?

Yes, I can say there are enough women in leadership, however it would not hurt for more women to aspire to be leaders.

5. What advise do you have for young professional women who are entering the workforce?

My advice to young professional women is to be eager to learn and willing to take on tasks that may appear mundane or beneath them. This will allow you to gradually work your way up the ladder and gain the trust of your Head of Department. Develop relationships with other successful women. Accept feedback! Continue to advance academically; there is always more to learn. One of the most essential job abilities is having the capacity to work independently, but also to recognize when you need to collaborate and operate within the framework of a team.

SathiaDovil

Catering Supervisor

6. As a woman leader, how do you promote work life balance?

As a woman leader I would promote work life balance by working reasonable hours meaning, being productive but also keeping my family a key priority. Promoting hobbies is also important, finding something that interests you whilst you are not at work. Being disciplined and having good time management skills.

7.What keeps you going in your role?

I am very enthusiastic and passionate about my role as a supervisor. I am able to mentor, guide and achieve set goals.

8.With ongoing leadership challenges and trends in business, share with us 'the thing' that keeps you up at nights.

Adapting to change keeps me up at night but it’s also something that allows for growth and maturity, we are reluctant to it but we should embrace it.

EMPLOYEE STATUS CHANGES

Transfers/Promotions

Odela Charlery - Social Worker

NewHires

Janii Gaspard -Staff Nurse I

Raissa Evans - Staff Nurse I

Roy Romain Torres - Consultant/Hematologist

Separations

Crystal Antoine - Staff Nurse III

Jannel Walter-Alexander - Staff Nurse I

Yoel Garcia- Staff Nurse III

Naim Darcie - Staff Nurse I

Cynthia Samuel - Staff Nurse I

Ibrahim Sesay - House Officer

Sheba O'Brien - Registrar

Melanie Griffith Quintyre - House Officer

Aquilah Smith - Executive Billing

Gayle Andrew - Deputy Manager - Purchasing

Nadege James-Daly- Rehabilitative Care Assistant

Sherneil Darius - Rehabilitative Care Assistant

Marlon Paul - Domestic Assistant

Keith Inglis - Maintenance Officer V

Separations

Cherryann Roberts - Diet Clerk

Jermon Ephraim - ICT Techician

Policy:

Where an allegation of discrimination, bullying and/or harassment is made within a grievance, this will be investigated.

The MHMC takes all allegations of discrimination, bullying and/or harassment very seriously and has a duty of care to all employees to ensure a safe working environment where they are treated professionally and respectfully. Where such an allegation is made, the investigating manager in conjunction with the Senior Manager-Human Resources should determine whether it is acceptable for the involved individuals to continue working together whilst the matter is being investigated.

In these circumstances the chairperson will consider whether or not the Disciplinary Policy should be invoked. If it is determined that there is a disciplinary case to answer, then the grievance investigation report may be used as evidence to avoid duplication.

VisitingHours

Owen King EU Hospital

Monday to Friday: 6am - 7am, 12pm - 1pm, 5pm - 7pm

Weekends & Holidays: 3pm - 5pm

Patients in the Paediatrics Ward are allowed one parent to stay and their name should be registered with the nurses. The other parent or visitor will only be permitted during visiting hours.

National Mental Wellness Centre (NMWC)

Monday to Sunday: 3pm - 5pm

1 visitor | 15 minutes per visit

1 visitor | 15 minutes per visit 458-6500

#Throwback

Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission of the United States Armed Forces

Comingupnext...

April 23rd- 29th, 2023 - Medical Laboratory Professionals Week

April 26th, 2023- Adminstrative Professionals Day

May 5th, 2023 - World Hand Hygiene Day

May 5th, 2023- International Day of the Midwife

May 12th, 2023- International Nurses Day

May 14th, 2023- Mother's Day